Best Cars

Saturday 3 April 2010

Nissan 370Z (2009)

Overview:

The 2009 Nissan 370Z replaces the 350Z coupe as Nissan's two-seat sports car. Along with a new engine, the 370Z gets freshened styling and added features. The next generation of Nissan's signature sports car is about 4 inches shorter in wheelbase and almost 3 inches shorter overall than the 2003-2008 350Z. 370Z comes in Base, Touring, and high-performance NISMO trim levels and retains the rear-drive hatchback layout of the 350Z. A 3.7-liter V6 replaces the outgoing model's 3.5-liter V6. Base and Touring have 332 hp while the NISMO has 350. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all. Base and Touring have an optional 7-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Base and Touring 370Z models have standard 18-inch wheels. An optional Sport Package includes 19s. NISMO versions have 19-inch wheels and a sport suspension. A Navigation Package for Touring versions includes a navigation system with real-time traffic information and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. Note that Nissan still sells the 350Z in convertible form. That model uses the same basic design and powertrain as the 2003-2008. The convertible is slated to adopt the 370Z's design in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. This evaluation is based on preview test drives. The 2009 370Z's dynamic new styling offers dual benefits - a more aggressive appearance and a lighter, tighter structure for enhanced performance. The new Z's wheelbase is nearly 100mm shorter than the previous generation Nissan 350Z (2550mm versus 2650mm), accomplished by moving the rear wheels forward in the 2nd generation FM platform, while overall length is reduced by 70mm (4250mm versus 4320mm). At the same time, the overall width been increased by 33mm and the rear track by 55mm. The more compact exterior dimensions and expanded use of lightweight materials help reduce weight, while at the same time the body structure has been extensively reinforced, improving rigidity. Along with its new structure and stance, the Nissan 370Z has a taut new skin - one that looks completely new, yet completely Z. The exterior design incorporates intentional 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof (with Nissan GT-R styling cues) and a "low visual gravity." The 370Z's sleek silhouette is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame. Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including the addition of a turn indicator integrated into the Z logo mounted between the front wheel and door. The interior design of the new Nissan 370Z continues the Z tradition of enhancing driving pleasure, no matter what the road or traffic conditions offer. Additionally, particular attention has been paid to the quality of the material, as well as the fit and finish. The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length centre console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open luggage area with enhanced storage and accessibility. The information layer provides enhanced visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are once again attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges.

Performance/Specifications:

Drivetrain

Layout: Front Engine, RWD.
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual with Automatic Rev-Matched Downshifts, or 7 Speed Paddle Shifted Automatic with SynchroRev.
Differential: LSD.

Engine